Davidson Co. Woman Charged with TennCare Fraud

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A Davidson County woman is charged with TennCare fraud involving doctor shopping, or using TennCare to go to multiple providers in a short time period to obtain prescriptions for controlled substances.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), with the assistance of Metro Nashville Police, today announced the arrest of Karen J. Boatman, 47, of Nashville. She is charged with three counts of doctor shopping for the painkillers Oxycodone and Codeine, using TennCare as payment. TennCare paid for either the clinical visits or the prescriptions.

“Doctor shopping in order to illegally distribute prescription medication is a felony when TennCare is used as a payment method,” Inspector General Manny Tyndall said.  “We appreciate and value the hard work of the healthcare providers across the state and their efforts in helping us develop these cases.”

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison per charge.  District Attorney General Glenn R. Funk is prosecuting.

The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has investigated cases leading to more than $3 million being repaid to TennCare, with a total estimated cost avoidance of more than $163.6 million for TennCare, according to latest figures. To date, 2,433 people have been charged with TennCare fraud.

Through the OIG Cash for Tips Program established by the Legislature, Tennesseans can get cash rewards for TennCare fraud tips that lead to convictions.  Anyone can report suspected TennCare fraud by calling 1-800-433-3982 toll-free from anywhere in Tennessee, or go to https://www.tn.gov/tnoig.